Serbia Holds Early Election on October 25 as Vučić Seeks to Become Prime Minister
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić dissolved parliament and called an early election for October 25, 2026, to hold on to power as his presidential term nears its end. His main rival is the student movement Student List, which grew out of the mass protests of 2024.
Serbia holds an early parliamentary election on October 25, in which President Aleksandar Vučić is trying to keep his grip on power. His second presidential term expires in May 2027, and the constitution bars him from running again. After dissolving parliament, Vučić resigned as president, and according to the source his aim is to become prime minister. His main rival is the student movement Student List — Students Win, which became known worldwide through the mass protests of 2024. The vote will decide whether Serbia continues on its authoritarian course or gets a chance to democratize.
Why the vote is happening now
Protesters had demanded new elections for two years, yet Vučić called one only now. The prime minister's post would give him broad powers: setting domestic and foreign policy, introducing bills, overseeing state administration, appointing and dismissing ministers, and initiating the dissolution of parliament. The date is the earliest legally possible, 46 days after parliament's dissolution, leaving little campaign time for the students, whose movement is not a registered party and lacks an extensive network of local branches. Serbia will elect a new president in December, and Vučić is expected to try to install a loyalist, such as acting president Ana Brnabić.
Background of the protests
The protests began after November 1, 2024, when a canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad collapsed, killing 16 people. Renovations had been completed only four months earlier by two Chinese state-owned companies under a contract awarded without competitive bidding. The largest demonstration, on March 15, 2025, drew up to 325,000 people. Minister Goran Vesić and Prime Minister Miloš Vučević resigned, while charges against Vesić and 12 other officials were later dropped for lack of evidence. Police have been reported to use harsh methods against demonstrators.
The campaign
The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which had around 800,000 members in 2020, is running in the Aleksandar Vučić — United Serbia coalition. It stresses economic growth (GDP up 3.9% in 2024 and 2% in 2025), foreign investment, the Belgrade metro, Expo 2027 and stability. In total, 18 parties and coalitions are contesting the vote.
